Dinosaurian Tracks and Related Geological Features of the Reddell Point–Entrance Point Area, Broome, Western Australia

Dinosaurian tracks and related geological features of the Reddell Point–Entrance Point area, Broome, Western Australia

palaeontological survey as part of the 2018 Broome Safe Boat Harbour site assessment process

Steven W. Salisbury & Anthony Romilio

School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072

September 2018 Salisbury, S. W. and Romilio, A. 2018. Dinosaurian tracks and related geological features of the Reddell Point—Entrance Point area, Broome, Western Australia; palaeontological survey as part of the 2018 Broome Safe Boat Harbour site assessment process. viii + 42p. On the front cover: A partial sauropod trackway in exposures of Broome Sandstone on Reddell Point Beach. © Steven Salisbury On the back cover: A theropod dinosaur track (Megalosauropus broomensis) © Damian Kelly

i Contents

Acknowledgements...... iii Glossary ...... iv Executive summary...... vi

1. Introduction Background...... 1 national Heritage Listed dinosaurian Cultural significance...... 2 tracks of the Reddell Point— entrance Point Area...... 17 Proposal for a Safe Boat Harbour facility on Reddell Point Beach...... 3 Main track types...... 17 objectives of the survey...... 3 Additional comments on each of the survey zones (A–G; Fig. 8)...... 19 2. Survey methods Zone A...... 19 Survey area...... 4 Zone B...... 21 Survey dates...... 4 Zone C...... 23 Site access and permits...... 5 Zone D...... 26 indigenous place names...... 5 Zone E...... 27 Survey personnel...... 5 Zone F...... 28 Data acquisition...... 6 Zone G...... 29 Data analysis...... 7 4. Discussion 3. Results Overview and significance...... 30 Geological setting...... 8 Scientific significance of dinosaurian beach Sand...... 9 tracks & related geological structures.30 Cable Beach Sand...... 10 Cultural significance...... 32 unnamed mottled muddy sand and gravel, Tourism potential...... 32 and ironstone breccia...... 11 Potential impacts on National Heritage red sand dunes (Mowanjum Sand; listed dinosaurian tracks associated Quaternary) and perched with a proposed Safe Boat Harbour holocene white coastal dune sands...... 12 on Reddell Point Beach...... 34 broome Sandstone (Valanginian–Barremian; Direct impacts...... 34 140–127 million years old)...... 13 Other impacts...... 37 General characteristics and age...... 13 Recommendations...... 37 Exposures of Broome Sandstone in the survey area...... 13 Concluding remark...... 39 Physical characteristics (lithology) of the 5. References cited...... 40 Broome Sandstone in the survey area.. 14 6. Supplementary information...... 42

ii Acknowledgements

The information presented in this report represents the culmination elly of many years of research and local engagement. Through it all K D. we have benefited greatly from the generous support of Broome’s enthusiastic community of avid ‘dinosaur trackers’. We are particularly grateful to members of the Dinosaur Coast Management Group, most notably Dianne Bennett and Michelle and Leon Teoh. Prior to their departure from Broome, Louise Middleton and Nigel Clark also spent considerable time with us both tracking and sharing their knowledge of dinosaurian tracks in the survey area, while Kevin Foulkes shared much of what he knew from his time tracking with his father, the late Paul Foulkes. For insights into the cultural significance of dinosaurs tracks in the Broome Sandstone and their links to the Song Cycle along the Dampier Peninsula coastline, we thank Goolarabooloo, in particular Richard Hunter, Phillip Roe, Frans Hoogland and late Joseph Roe, members of the Yawuru Community, most notably Micklo Corpus and Stephen ‘Bart’ Pigram, and members of the Yawuru Cultural Advisory Group. For ethnographical insights into cultural links with dinosaurian tracks and orthography we thank Prof Stephen Muecke (University of Adelaide) and Kim Akerman. For insights into the history of dinosaur tracking in the Broome area we thank Robyn Wells and Kylie Jennings (Broome Historical Society and Museum). Damian Kelly has also been extremely generous with his time helping to photograph both dinosaurian tracks and trackers, as well as Kevin Smith and Nadia Rebasti to whom we are grateful for sharing their photographic images. For fieldwork in the survey area carried out between 2011 and 2017 and for discussions on many aspects of the area’s dinosaurian track fauna and related geology, we thank members of the UQ Dino Lab (Linda Pollard, Jay Nair, Andreas Jannel, Dr Ryan Tucker, Dr Matt Herne, Sarah Gray, Pippa Slater (nee Chamberlain), and David Kennedy), Nathan and Rani Middleton, Prof Jorg Hacker and Shakti Chakraverty (Airborne Research Australia), Dr Robert Zlot and Dr George Poropat (formerly CSIRO), Dr Michael Bosse (ETH Zurich), Tim Flannery and Damian Hirsch. Dr Vic Semenuik is also thanked for invaluable discussions on the Quaternary deposits that occur within the survey area. For discussions on National Heritage listing we thank Carmen Lawrence, Kelly Mullen, Kathy Eyles, Sarah Titchen, Jeremy White and Toni Hart (Department of Environment and Energy). Our July 2018 survey work was funded through Shire of Broome and the Western Australian Department of Transport. Research carried out prior to July 2018 that contributed to information presented herein was funded through the Australian Research Council (DP140101745) and The University of Queensland.

iii GLOSSARY

Ankylosaur: herbivorous dinosaur belonging Ichnology: the study of tracks and traces left by to the group Ankylosauria (‘fused lizard’). both extinct and modern animals (see ‘Track’; Ankylosaurs were heavily armoured herbivores and ‘Trace fossils’). that walked on all four legs. They typically Ichnofauna: a fauna based on ichnological have five to four fingers and/or toes, making evidence (e.g., tracks). their manual (hand) and pedal (foot) tracks hard to distinguish from each other Ichnotaxonomy: a system of taxonomy (see thyreophoran). (biological classification) that is based on tracks and other traces (see ‘Trace fossils’). Fossilised Breakwater: an artificial offshore structure that tracks are classified separately to body fossils protects a harbour, anchorage or marina from (e.g., fossilised bones), and the relationship waves. Breakwaters intercept longshore currents between an ichnotaxon and body fossil taxon is and tend to prevent beach erosion within the not always clear. For example, Megalosauropus area they enclose. broomensis is the name given to a particular Cenozoic Era: interval of geological time type of track, normally attributed to a theropod from 66 million years ago to the present day, dinosaur. When we talk about M. broomensis, divided into the Palaeogene Period (66–23 Ma), we are referring to a type of track, not a type of the Neogene Period (23–2.6 Ma) and dinosaur (the trackmaker). the Quaternary Period (2.6 to the present day). Lithology: the general physical characteristics Couplet: paired and sequential footfalls of a of a rock or rocks. quadrupedal (four-legged) trackmaker that in Manual: in the context of a living animal combination representing one manual (hand) or track that it has made, relating to the manus and one pedal (foot) track, both from the same or hand. body side. Mesozoic Era: interval of geological time Cretaceous Period: interval of geological time from 252–66 million years ago, divided from 145–66 million years ago (see ‘Mesozoic into the Triassic Period (252–201 Ma), Era’). the Jurassic Period (201–145 Ma) and Digital: in the context of a living animal the Cretaceous Period (145–66 Ma). or track that it has made, relating to the digits Also knows as the ‘Age of Dinosaurs’ or the of either the manus (hand) or pes (foot). ‘Age of Reptiles’. Footprint: a synonym for a single track Neogene Period: interval of geological time (see ‘track’ and ‘trackway’). In the context from 23–2.6 million years ago of the proposed Safe Boat Harbour, ‘footprint’ (see ‘Cenozoic Era’). 2 2 is also used to refer to the area (in m or km ) Ornithischian: herbivorous dinosaur covered by the construction. belonging to the group Ornithischia (‘bird- Hardstand: a paved area for parking heavy hipped’). Ornithischian dinosaurs include vehicles. heterodontosaurids, thyreophorans (armoured dinosaurs), ornithopods, marginocephalians Holocene Epoch: interval of geological time (horned and domed dinosaurs) and related forms that spans the last 11,700 years (see ‘ornithopod’ and ‘thyreophoran’). (see ‘Quaternary’). Ornithopod: herbivorous dinosaur belonging to Horizon: an interface indicative of a particular the group Ornithopoda (‘bird foot’). position in a stratigraphic sequence of The majority of ornithopods walked on two sedimentary rocks legs, but some were quadrupedal. The feet of (see ‘stratum’ and ‘stratigraphy’). ornithopods typically leave three-toed tracks that Ichnite: a trace fossil that can be a track/ often lack any clear impressions of digital pads. footprint, trackway, burrow, etc., made by a once living organism. iv Palaeogene Period: interval of geological time Stratigraphy: the discipline of geology from 66–23 million years ago concerned with the order and relative position of (see ‘Cenozoic Era’). strata (layers of rock) and their relationship Pedal: in the context of a living animal or track to the geological timescale. that it has made, relating to the pes or foot. Theropod: carnivorous dinosaur belonging Pleistocene Epoch: interval of geological time to the group Theropoda (‘beast foot’), which from 2.6 million years ago to 11,700 years ago also includes birds. Theropods walked on their (see ‘Quaternary’). hind legs and had bird-like feet, leaving three- toed tracks that often show traces of claws Quaternary Period: interval of geological time and digital pads within each of the digital from 2.6 million years ago to the present day, impressions. divided into the Pleistocene Epoch and the Holocene Epoch. Thyreophoran: herbivorous dinosaur belonging to the group Thyreophora (‘shield bearers’); Saurischian: dinosaur belonging to the group the armoured dinosaurs. There are two main Saurischia (‘lizard-hipped’). Saurischian groups of thyreophorans, the ankylosaurs dinosaurs include the sauropods and theropods and the stegosaurs (see ‘ankylosaurs’ and (including birds) (see ‘Sauropod’ and ‘stegosaurs’). ‘Theropod’). Trace fossil: a fossilised indication of behaviour Sauropod: herbivorous dinosaur belonging or activity left behind by an animal. Although to the group Sauropoda (‘reptile foot’). traces often are tracks, they also including Sauropods walked on four pillar-like legs and burrows, eggs, nesting sites and feeding traces had long necks and tails. Their feet superficially and scratches (either in the rock or on body resembled those of elephants, and had five fossils). toes, with the first toe usually being the largest; the hands usually retain a thumb but the other Track: synonymous with footprint, digits can be reduced or absent. Their pedal the mark left behind by the single foot or hand (foot) tracks are usually round to oval-shaped of a trackmaker. depressions, sometimes with digital impressions. Trackmaker: the animal responsible for making The manual (hand) tracks are considerably a track/footprint. Trackmakers are classified smaller than the pedal tracks, and are usually separately to tracks. round or kidney-shaped. Tracksite: any area where there Sediment, sedimentary, sedimentology: is a concentration of ichnites, typically tracks. sedimentary rocks are formed from Tracksites are delineated arbitrarily and can pre-existing rocks (sediments) or pieces of range from clearly defined, unbroken surfaces once-living organisms. Sedimentology is the with multiple tracks, trackways or both, study of sedimentary rocks and the processes to isolated boulders with a single track. that form them Track horizon: the sedimentary horizon Stratum (plural = strata): layer of rock in which tracks and other fossil traces occur. characterized by particular lithologic (physical) Track surface: the sedimentary surface properties and attributes that distinguish it from on which a trackmaker walked. adjacent layers. Trackway: a series of two or more Stegosaur: herbivorous dinosaur belonging successive tracks made by single trackmaker. to the group Stegosauria (‘roofed lizard’). Stegosaurs had plates running down their neck, Transmitted track: footprint impressions back and tail, which was spiked at the tip. Most caused by the transmission of pressure stegosaurs walked on all fours, but trackway to sedimentary layers directly beneath evidence shows that some were also capable the track surface of walking on their hind legs, similar to most True track: the impression made ornithopods. Stegosaur feet typically have three by a trackmaker on the track surface. toes, whereas the hands can have five or four fingers (see thyreophoran). EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In 2017/2018, funding through the Royalties for work, carried out during the course of earlier Regions scheme was allocated to the Western research between 2011 and 2017, some of which Australian Department of Transport (DoT) to included spring tides that exceeded 0.3 m low undertake planning and investigations for a safe tide mark, was also included. Data collected boat harbour (SBH) facility in Broome. The during surveys undertaken by members of the Broome Boat Harbour Advisory Group, chaired Dinosaur Coast Management Group between by the Shire of Broome (SoB), selected the 2015 and 2018 was also included where it could coastline between Entrance Point and Reddell be verified. Point (= Reddell Point Beach) as the preferred There are extensive exposures —approximately site for this development. 1.2 km2—of Broome Sandstone throughout the As of July 2018, the preliminary concept for the intertidal zone in the survey area. It forms a near proposed SBH facility for Reddell Point Beach continuous reef that runs parallel to the shore includes protective breakwaters, a harbour that from the southern end of Reddell Beach around provides a turning circle for vessels, a boat Entrance Point to Broome Jetty, over a distance ramp, a wharf and hardstand, and trailer parking. of 3.8 km. The outer reef is 200–300 m wide for The proposed entrance to the harbour is from most of its length. the south-eastern end of the facility. The main Dinosaurian tracks are a common feature of footprint of the proposed facility covers the the Broome Sandstone within the survey area. middle one third of the beach, extending for The majority of track-bearing horizons seem approximately 500 m along the astronomical to be concentrated in two main bands: the first high tide mark and seaward for around the same starting close the astronomical high-tide mark distance to the edge of the outer reef. When the and extending for 30–40 metres seawards; the entrance channel and adjacent spending beach second between the 2.5 and 1 m low tide mark, are taken into account the overall footprint close to the seaward edge of main reef system. extends close to the south-eastern end of the Additional concentrations of track-bearing beach over a distance of 650 m. At this size, the horizons occur between the two main bands, overall footprint of the proposed facility covers 2 particularly at Reddell Point, the south-eastern approximately 1.9 km . end of Reddell Point Beach and the south- At the request of SoB and DoT, The University western side of Entrance Point. of Queensland was engaged to assess the Over 140 National Heritage listed dinosaurian potential impact of the proposed SBH facility track-bearing surfaces in the Broome Sandstone concept at Reddell Point Beach on any National were recorded in the survey area. Many of these Heritage listed dinosaurian tracks in the Broome surfaces preserve multiple tracks and trackways, Sandstone of this area. An area encompassing 2 so the total number of individual tracks is much approximately 3.5 km of coastline, from the higher. Some areas, such as Reddell Point southern end of Reddell Beach to just north of are heavily trampled and probably include Broome Jetty was surveyed from 15–18 July, hundreds of individual tracks and trackways. corresponding with spring tides that extended We conservatively estimate that there are more to 0.86 m low tide mark. This stretch of coast than 500 individual tracks in the survey area, includes the full extent of the proposed SBH potentially spanning many tens, if not hundreds facility on Reddell Point Beach, as well as of thousands of years of dinosaurian activity adjacent areas of interest that either could between 140–127 million years ago. potentially be impacted indirectly or could offer alternative sites. The results of earlier survey

vi Three different types of dinosaurian tracks Dinosaurian tracks in the Broome Sandstone occur within the survey area: sauropod tracks, form one of the key values associated with the theropod tracks and ornithopod tracks. The West Kimberley National Heritage Area, and, preservation of tracks ranges from ‘true’ tracks as such, are afforded protection under the 1999 that preserve details of the hand and foot Environmental Protection and Biodiversity morphology of the trackmakers, through to Conservation Act. In its current form, the partially eroded tracks, pedestals, and various construction and maintenance of the proposed forms of transmitted tracks. Some aspects of the SBH facility on Reddell Point Beach would have sauropod tracks in the survey area point to the a significant impact on the National Heritage presence of a new track type that is distinct from listed dinosaurian tracks in the Reddell Point– the six other types of sauropod tracks already Entrance Point area. All the Broome Sandstone described from the Broome Sandstone. The and its associated dinosaurian track-bearing high density of some of these sauropod tracks in surfaces within the greater footprint of the SBH some parts of the survey area might also provide would be either destroyed, permanently buried evidence of sauropod herding behaviour. The or subject to increased risk of erosion. As such, high abundance of theropod tracks in the survey the National Heritage values associated with area and adjacent areas (such as Reddell Beach) this area would be lost. In addition to probable relative to other parts of the Dampier Peninsula changes in the movement and distribution of is also significant, and may point to possible sand along Reddell Point Beach, it is also likely habitat preferences for these trackmakers. Of that the construction of the proposed SBH could cultural significance, theropod tracks in the affect the transport, erosion and deposition of survey area form part of the Northern Tradition sand on adjacent beaches and headlands. This of a Song Cycle that travels along the Dampier could potentially include the permanent burial or Peninsula coastline, and feature in Bugarrigarra increased rate of erosion of significant National (Dreamtime) stories about Marala, the Emu Heritage listed dinosaurian track-bearing Man. Reddell Point Beach also preserves a track surfaces and associated geological and cultural that is assignable to Wintonopus middletona. features at the southern end of Bungurunan and This is one of the first confirmed ornithopod the small south-east facing beach on Entrance tracks in the entire Broome area, and only the Point. fourth track (in the world) that can be linked to We cannot see how the aforementioned impacts this ichnotaxon. can be avoided or mitigated. Shifting the The Reddell Point–Entrance Point area preserves position of proposed SBH to either the northwest the most southerly dinosaurian track-bearing or the southeast of Reddell Point Beach would surfaces in the Broome Sandstone within the do little to avoid any significant impact on West Kimberley. These tracksites may therefore National Heritage values. sit within a unique part of the great delta system If the proposed location of the SBH facility is that formed the Broome Sandstone 140–127 maintained, the only way any significant impacts million years ago. The dinosaurs that inhabited on National Heritage values can be avoided is this area may have lived in the most coastal of if the overall direct footprint of the facility is all the palaeoenvironmental settings that formed greatly reduced. This could be achieved either part of the Broome Sandstone delta system, and by making it much smaller and reducing the could therefore represent a unique part of the size of both the harbour and the breakwater, or palaeontological story that we are beginning to by moving to a design that is farther offshore, reconstruct for this area. In the context of this such that the harbour area is not directly above broader story, all the tracks in the survey area the intertidal exposures of Broome Sandstone. are important, and only in their entirety can Whether either of these options meets the they help us to reconstruct this prehistoric ‘lost requisite criteria for the SBH and/or is even world’ of the Kimberley. feasible is not something we can comment on at this point. Any new design would need to be assessed on its own merits. vii A more desirable alternative would be to There is enormous potential for dinosaur-themed shift the location of the SBH to an area where tourism within the survey area. The high there are fewer or no National Heritage listed abundance of tracks, their quality, diversity, dinosaurian tracks, thereby avoiding any scientific significance, links to indigenous significant impacts on National Heritage values. culture and ease of access make this particular The area starting immediately south of Broome area ideally suited to visitation. As public Jetty and extending north to the Kimberley Port awareness of the scientific and cultural Authority’s slipway appears to preserve little significance of National Heritage listed in the way of dinosaurian tracks. Moving the dinosaurian tracks in the Reddell Point–Entrance SBH facility to this location would undoubtedly Point area increases, we expect more people will have its own sets of location issues due to the want to come and experience this unique part of close proximity of Broome Jetty and other KPA Broome (and indeed Australia). In a few years’ infrastructure, and potential indirect impacts on time, we would not be surprised if Reddell Point adjacent track-bearing surfaces from changes and Reddell Point Beach were more popular for to sand transport, particularly those at the ‘dinosaur track spotting’ than nearby Minyirr southern end of Entrance Point, would also need (Gantheaume Point). It is easy to forget that this to carefully considered. But the overall impact is one of only a handful of picturesque beaches on National Heritage values would likely be close to Broome where people can easily minimal. In terms of the impact on the natural experience globally unique dinosaurian tracks. aesthetics of the area, this part of Entrance Point There is currently nowhere else in Australia is already partly developed, being situated close other than the Dampier Peninsula where people to the jetty and existing public boat launching can see sauropod tracks, and this is one of the facilities. The few sauropod tracks that do occur best beaches to do it. It is an incredible natural along the foreshore are on detached blocks and asset that Broome needs to embrace. We look could be removed and placed on display in forward to working with Broome Shire, the WA an interpretive centre or similar that could be Department of Transport, the Kimberley Port located nearby. We therefore feel that this area is Authority, the Dinosaur Coast Management much better suited to a safe boat harbour facility Group, Nyamba Buru Yawuru, Goolarabooloo and than Reddell Point Beach. other indigenous groups, along with the greater broome community to promote and manage this unique area.

Figure 1. Broome school girl Maddison Sprigg alongside one of Broome’s theropod dinosaur tracks (Megalosauropus broomensis). © Damian Kelly. viii 1. INTRODUCTION

Background The Broome Sandstone on the Dampier The dinosaurian ichnofauna of the Broome Peninsula, Western Australia, preserves the Sandstone comprises five different types of most diverse dinosaurian track fauna in the tracks made by predatory theropod dinosaurs, at world. Twenty one different types of tracks have least six types of tracks assigned to long-necked been identified, preserved in over 70 tracksites herbivorous sauropods, four types of tracks scattered over approximately 80 km of coastline assigned to two-legged herbivorous ornithopods, from Roebuck Bay north to Minarriny (Coloumb and six types of tracks assigned to armoured Point) (Glauert, 1952; Colbert and Merrilees, dinosaurs. Among the tracks is the only 1967; Long, 1990, 1992a, 1993; Thulborn et al., confirmed evidence for stegosaurs in Australia. 1994; Long, 1998, 2002; Thulborn, 2002; Rich There are also some of the largest dinosaurian and Vickers-Rich, 2003a; Willis and Thomas, tracks ever recorded, with some of the sauropod 2005; Thulborn, 2009, 2012; Commonwealth of tracks being 1.7 m long. Australia, 2011; Salisbury et al. 2017; Romilio In recognition of their outstanding heritage et al., 2017). With the exception of a few value, dinosaurian tracks in the Broome fragments of bone from other fossil localities Sandstone were included in the West Kimberley in Western Australia (Long, 1992b, 1995; Long National Heritage Area in 2011 (Place ID and Cruickshank, 1996; Long and Molnar, 1998; 106063; Commonwealth of Australia, 2011). Agnolín et al., 2010; Salisbury and Long, 2018), this ichnofauna constitutes the primary record of dinosaurs for the western half of Australia, with many of the tracks having no obvious counterpart among described body fossils from other parts of the continent.

1 Cultural Significance In addition to their scientific value, dinosaurian in the sun and delouse each other with jungkur tracks in the Broome Sandstone also have a (lice sticks). When Yinara, the most senior unique cultural significance. Three-toed tracks woman in the group, sensed that Marala was assigned to Megalosauropus broomensis form coming, she told the younger women to turn part of a Song Cycle that extends along the towards the land and to not look at him. Marala coast and then inland for 450 km, tracing the saw the women and walked over to them. travels of a Bugarrigarra (Dreamtime) creator Although Yinara positioned herself between being called Marala, the Emu Man (Anonymous, Marala and the others, he was still able to get 1999; Major and Sarjeant, 2001; Salisbury et al., very close. Curious to see him, some of the 2017). women turned to watch Marala as he walked Marala’s tracks at Minyirr (Gantheaume Point) past. Yinara was able to drive Marala away, and Reddell Beach are referred to in a number but was angry with the younger women and of Bugarrigarra stories that form part of the shamed them for disobeying her. The spirits of Northern Tradition of the Song Cycle. The Yinara and the other Ngadjayi moved into the most notable of the publicly known stories sky and can be seen today as the constellation involves Marala and some female sea spirits. known as Pleiades. Stone pillars representing the At Bungurunan, a small beach just to the north Ngadjayi still stand today at the top of the beach of Reddell Point, Marala encountered a group at Bungurunan, and the rock platforms nearby of Ngadjayi—spirit women from the sea who preserve three-toed tracks that show where had come out of the water to harden their skin Marala walked (Salisbury et al. 2017; Fig. 2). elly K D. kerman A . K

A B Figure 2. Cultural significance of geological structures at the southern end of Reddell Beach. A, stone pillars representing the Ngadjayi occur at Bungurunan, a small beach just north of Reddell Point. The late Paddy Roe points to Yinara, the tallest of the pillars (August 1976). B, three-toed theropod pedal impression near Bungurunan represent Marala’s tracks. © Kim Akerman. © Damian Kelly.

2 Proposal for a Safe Boat Harbour facility on Reddell Point Beach In 2017/2018, funding through the Royalties for The BBHAG includes members from DoT, Regions scheme was allocated to the Western Nyamba Buru Yawuru, the Kimberley Port Australian Department of Transport (DoT) to Authority and community members representing undertake planning and investigations for a safe a range of stakeholder groups. The coastline boat harbour (SBH) facility in Broome. between Entrance Point and Reddell Point To progress planning for the facility, DoT (hereafter referred to as Reddell Point Beach) has been working with the Shire of Broome has been selected by the BBHAG as the (SoB), which chairs the Broome Boat Harbour preferred site for a SBH (Fig. 3). Advisory Group (BBHAG).

Figure 3. Aerial view of Reddell Point–Entrance Point overlaid with a schematic of the proposed Safe Boat Harbour (SBH). Image supplied by Broome Shire Council.

Objectives of the survey At the request of SoB and DoT, The University of Queensland was engaged to assess the potential impact of the proposed SBH at Reddell Point Beach on National Heritage listed dinosaurian tracks in the Broome Sandstone. Although our team has documented dinosaurian tracks in this area during the course of previous research between 2011 and 2017, the full extent of track-bearing surfaces along this stretch of coast and their broader significance was unclear. As such, additional palaeontological survey work in the area was deemed necessary. The specific aims of the survey were as follows:

(i) Determine the extent of National Heritage (ii) Provide advice and recommendations on listed dinosaurian track-bearing surfaces potential management and mitigation measures and related geological features in the Broome (including possible offsets) that could be Sandstone in the area around Entrance Point implemented during the planning, design and and Reddell Point, including the types of tracks construction process of the proposed SBH at preserved and their relative abundance, along Reddell Point Beach. with other data relevant to assessing their broader scientific context; 3 2. SURVEY METHODS

surVeY area Survey dates the survey area encompassed approximately The 2018 survey was carried out from 15–18 3.5 km of coastline, from the southern end of July, corresponding with spring tides that reddell beach (bungurunan) to just north of extended to 0.86 m. The results of earlier survey broome Jetty (Figs 4, 8). this stretch of coast work, carried out during the course of earlier includes the full extent of the proposed Sbh on research between 2011 and 2017, some of which reddell Point beach, as well as adjacent areas of included spring tides that exceeded 0.3 m, was interest that either could potentially be impacted also included. Data collected during surveys indirectly or could offer alternative sites. the undertaken by members of the Dinosaur Coast survey area was divided into seven distinct Management Group between 2015 and 2018 was zones (a–G), assigned arbitrarily based on the also included where it could be verified. most obvious geographic landmarks and/or areas of interest. each zone was surveyed from the astronomical high tide mark down to approximately the 0.9 m low tide mark. as such, the entire survey area had a perimeter of approximately 8.3 km, and covered a total area of 1.5 km2.

Manangkapu Cape Leveque N Julirri Indian Jilpanung Broome Rd Ocean Bilingurru King Sound

Nilirirbanjun Dampier MINYIRR PeniNsula Derby JUGUN Cable Beach Broome 50 km Roebuck Bay Dabardabekun

oome r B Rubibi Jukakum Didirr

Bugawamba Minyirr Gantheaume Point Ngakalyalya Australia Reddell Beach Didrikun Roebuck Bay

5 km 1000 km Survey Area

Figure 4. Schematic map of the Greater Broome Area showing the location of the survey area.

4 site access anD Permits Survey personnel the survey area falls with the tenured land of The 2018 survey was undertaken by the Kimberley Port authority (reserve 28650). Dr Steven W. Salisbury and Dr Anthony appropriate approvals from the Kimberley Port Romilio, both from the School of Biological authority and Shire of broome to conduct the Sciences, The University of Queensland, survey were obtained (KPA ref CRE70/148402). Brisbane 4072, Australia. inDiGenous Place names Additional survey work that was carried out Place names used in this study (Figs 4, 8) follow during the course of earlier research between those used in Salisbury et al. (2017) and romilio 2011 and 2017 was undertaken by Dr Steven et al. (2017) and correspond to ethnographic W. Salisbury, Dr Anthony Romilio and other sites on the lurujarri heritage trail, and members of the UQ Dinosaur Lab (Linda include mythological and ceremonial places Pollard, Jay Nair, Andreas Jannell, Ryan (law grounds) associated with the northern Tucker, Matt Herne, Sarah Gray, Pippa Slater tradition of the Song Cycle, camping areas of (nee Chamberlain), and David Kennedy), Jorg historical significance, and burial sites (modified Hacker and Shakti Chakraverty (Airborne and updated from those listed in Worms, 1944; Research Australia), Robert Zlot and George akerman, 1975, 1981; bradshaw and Fry, 1989). Poropat (formerly CSIRO), and Michael Bosse the orthography used in this report follows (ETH Zurich). Survey work undertaken by that recommended by mcGregor (1988) and members of the Dinosaur Coast Management Stokes and mcGregor (2003) for the nyulnyulan Group, in particular that of Dianne Bennett, languages, unless stated otherwise. The first between 2015 and 2018 was also included time a place name is used the non-indigenous where it could be verified. equivalent (if one exists) is given in parentheses. alisbury alisbury S S . . S S

A B Figure 5. Fossil track preparation and measurements. A, an orntihopod track overlaid with ~0.4 m of sand is manually exposed and cleaned by Dr Anthony Romilio for photographic data collection (survey zone C). B, trackway parameters of a Broome sauropod trackway are measured by Linda Polland and Dr Anthony Romilio and recorded by Jay Nair (survey zone B). © Steven W. Salisbury.

5 Data acquisition The bulk of our survey work was carried out on Surfaces of interest were cleaned by hand to foot when tides permitted. In most instances, remove debris prior to taking photographs (Fig. site access was possible for around 8 hours each 5A). Photographs were taken using either a day of the survey (6am–10am and 2pm–6pm), tripod-mounted digital camera (either a Nikon such that approximately 30 hours were spent 10 megapixel D80 or 16.2 megapixel Nikon Df on the beach and reefs. We further estimate an with a Nikkor AF 24mm f/2.8D autofocus lens, additional 100+ hours were spent assessing parts with exposure and shutter speed set manually, of the survey area between 2011 and 2017 by illuminated either by natural light or a remotely our research team (see ‘Survey personnel’). activated Nikon Speedlight SB-6000; Fig. 6), The WGS84 coordinates and extent of track- iphone 6+ (12 megapixel, F2.2 autofocus lens) bearing surfaces and other geological features or Samsung Galaxy 7 (12-megapixel F1.7 were recorded using either a hand-held GPS autofocus lens). Photos were normally taken (Garmin GPSMAP 64S, with high-sensitivity with the lens positioned approximately 1.5 m GPS and GLONASS receiver) or a Samsung above the track surface, using a remote shutter Galaxy 7 with ‘GPS Waypoints’ (version release to reduce camera shake. All surfaces 2.4-Blucover Technologies; info@bluecover. were photographed with a scale bar and north pt) using the built-in GPS receivers of the smart arrow aligned to magnetic north using a Brunton phone (accuracy ~1.5–4 m). Coordinates were Compass (throughout the survey area magnetic time-stamped (to seconds) and tagged with north is 2.3–2.5° east of true north). track descriptors to correlate with time-stamped Photographs that encompassed larger areas were digital photographs. taken using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs); either a DJI T600 INSPIRE 1 with on-board 12.76 megapixel X3 gimbal-mounted digital omilio

R camera (model FC350, which has a 20 mm [35 .

A mm format equivalent] f/2.8 lens; used prior to September 2016) or DJI Mavic Pro with on- board 12.71 megapixel 3-axis gimbal-mounted 4K camera with a 26 mm [35 mm format equivalent] f/2.2 lens (Fig. 7). UAV photographs were taken under natural lighting conditions, using auto settings for ISO, shutter speed and aperture. The majority of track and trackway parameters were measured in the field using a carpenter’s power return tape measure and a 30 m open reel fibreglass tape measure (Fig. 5B). For tracks and trackway dimensions that could not be measured directly in the field, measurements were taken in silico using ImageJ (version 1.46) on single photographs, and using Agisoft Photoscan Pro (version 1.1.6 build 2028 [64 bit]) on DEMs, with distances scaled against scale bars or points in the image for which the distance was already know. Other measurements, including Figure 6. Ground-based photographic data collection can be divarication angles, digit extension lengths, vary from holding cameras in ones hands to using extendable tripods where the camera shutter is remotely triggered. Steve and pace angulation, were also determined Salisbury demonstrates the latter technique on a set of large in this manner. sauropod tracks (survey zone C). © Anthony Romilio.

6 Data analysis Methods employed in post-survey data analysis Adobe Photoshop CS6 (version 13.0 x64), or followed those outlined in Salisbury et al. (2017) to PNG-24 file format when acquiring images and Romilio et al. (2017). The GPS metadata from video. Converted images were then added used during ground- and UAV aerial-based to Agisoft PhotoScan Professional Edition photograph acquisition was not sensitive enough (version 1.26 build 2038 64 bit) to generate to distinguish positions less than 4 m apart and digital surface models (.ply, .obj, and .laz files) was subsequently disabled on the respective and orthophotographic mosaics (.png) for devices. Time-stamped waypoints with location comparison and analysis. Comparisons were descriptors from GPS devises were exported made with other dinosaurian tracks from the as KML and KMZ files and viewed in Google Broome Sandstone as described in Salisbury Earth Pro (version 7.3.2.5491). et al. (2017), along with additional data for For comparisons with other tracks and existing earlier surveys of greater Broome area carried data, 3D digital models of some surfaces out between 2011 and 2017. Where necessary, were created using photogrammetry. RAW additional comparisons were made with tracks photographs were converted to JPEG using described in the literature. elly K D.

Figure 7. Photography of large track surface areas is facilitated through the use of UAVs as demonstrated by Dr Anthony Romilio (survey zone A). © Damian Kelly. 7 3. RESULTS

Geological setting At least five stratigraphic units were sandy muds and ironstone breccias, whereas at identified in the survey area, ranging from Entrance Point the low rocky headland is formed unconsolidated sands through to sandstone by the upper-most parts of the Cretaceous bedrock. Above the astronomical high-tide Broome Sandstone, and around the two boat mark, sand-dominated dunes form the main ramps, much younger consolidated beach sands. headland of Entrance Point and Reddell Point, As the tide retreats it exposes extensive rock with small patches of endangered monsoon platforms and coral-encrusted reefs of Broome vine thicket persisting in some of the swales Sandstone, buried in parts by a shallow blanket away from development. The low cliffs and of highly mobile beach sand. Each of these units eroded pillars around Reddell Point are formed is described below, from youngest to oldest. by a distinctive set of consolidated muds,

A Yinarra Port Drive Reddell Point Kavite Road

G B Broome Jetty

SBH F

GEOLOGICAL FEATURES Entrance Point Beach sand Cable Beach Sand (Holocene) C Aolean dune sand (reworked red Pleistocene Mowanjum Sand and white Holocene coastal sands) Unnamed Quaternary mottled muddy sand and gravel + ironstone breccia Broome Sandstone (Valanginian–Barremian) E OTHER 0.9m low tide mark D A Survey zone identifier and bounday Footprint of proposed Safe Boat Harbour (SBH) 500 m

Figure 8. Schematic map of the survey area partitioned into zones A–G, with the proposed concept for the Safe Boat Harbour facility occurring in survey zone C. Geological features of the intertidal zone range from, but are not limited to, Early Cretaceous Broome Sandstone (Valanginian–Barremian) to modern beach sand.

8 Beach Sand (present day) Unconsolidated, calcareous quartz beach sand happened during January–February 2018, when extends through much of the upper 200 m of the approximately 1–1.5 m of sand was temporarily intertidal zone within the survey area. Southeast stripped from the south-eastern end of Reddell of Reddell Point, in zone B, it dominates the Point Beach (survey zone C) (Fig. 22A). During first 230 m of beach from the astronomical high calmer weather, longshore drift appears to tide mark to approximately the 3 m low tide redistribute the sand more evenly along the mark. Similarly, in the northwest two thirds beaches. The thickest sand cover seems to occur of zone C, the first 180 m of beach, from 0 in the small embayment southeast of Reddell m to approximately the 5 m low tide mark is Point in the north-western corner of Reddell primarily blanketed in sand. In the southeast Point Beach (zone B). The presence of extensive corner of zone C, the beach sand pinches out amounts of coral along the margin of the reef towards the high tide mark, and only forms a that encircles the survey area suggests that the narrow, 60–80 m lens through the upper (0–100 bulk of the sand movement occurs parallel to the m) of the intertidal zone. Around Entrance Point beach rather than perpendicular to it. (zones E and F), the sand cover is restricted to The sand cover on Reddell Point Beach seems the upper 200 m of the intertidal zone, bounded to be highly mobile, even during periods of landward by a small outcrop of Cable Beach stable weather. For instance, in the two-week Sand either side of the main boat ramp (Fig. period between 18 July and 5 August 2018, 9A), and to the south, northwest and seaward, approximately 0.5 m of sand was stripped by extensive exposures of Broome Sandstone from the south-eastern corner of Reddell Point (see below). In zone F, the beach sand dominates Beach (survey zone C). Photographs taken on most of the upper half of the intertidal zone, 5 August 2018 by DCMG members show that from just below the astronomical high tide mark large portions of track-bearing surfaces within to a point around 270 m from the shore. Except the Broome Sandstone that were not visible for immediately around the jetty, and a 120 m during the survey period (15–18 July) were wide reef of Broome Sandstone in the upper exposed (Fig. 5A). Other than the transition 170 m of the intertidal zone, zone G is also out of the spring tide that occurred after the dominated by sand. survey period, no seasonably abnormal weather The amount of beach sand in the survey area or surf conditions occurred during this time. seems to be highly variable, and it is probably no Our records of track-bearing surfaces along less than a few meters thick at its deepest point. this stretch of beach dating back to 2011 show Between 2011 and 2018 we had seen that the a similar pattern, with many being buried as sand cover in the survey area become mobilised often as they are exposed. With this is mind, it during storm and surge events, stripped from is probably safe to assume that the sand cover the more exposed portions of beaches and throughout most of the upper intertidal zone redistributed either offshore or behind some of (0–200 m) within the survey area, particularly the more protected headlands. Large exposures within zones B and C, represents a thin (1–2 m of Broome Sandstone are periodically exposed thick) veneer over the underlying rocks of the as a result. The most recent example of this Broome Sandstone.

9 Cable Beach Sand (Holocene) The Cable Beach Sand consists of unconformably overly the eroded upper parts interlaminated coarse, medium and fine-grained of the Broome Sandstone in survey zones E and calcarenite, with shell beds, and pebble beds, D, extending from just about the astronomical that likely represent part of the high intertidal high tide mark to approximately 30 m offshore zone during the end of mid-Holocene sea level to the northeast and southeast of the east-facing high. Semeniuk (2008) determined the age of jetty at Entrance Point, and for a similar extent the Cable Beach Sand to be between 1090 ± 160 to the east and west of the south-facing jetting years BP and 2100 ± 180 years BP. Shallowly (Figs 8 and 9). seaward dipping exposures of Cable Beach Sand alisbury alisbury S S . . S S

A B

Figure 9. Cable Beach Sand. A, Dr Anthony Romilio walks upon the rocky exposures of Cable Beach Sand that borders the boat ramps at Entrance Point (survey zone E). B, close up of Cable Beach Sand, consisting of coarse, medium and fine-grained calcarenite, shells and pebbles. © Steven W. Salisbury.

10 Unnamed mottled muddy sand and gravel, and ironstone breccia (Quaternary?) A distinctive sequence of yellow to brown/ Whatever their source, reworked red Mowanjum creamy coloured mottled muddy sands, muds Sand appears to form the red matrix within and gravels, interbedded with breccias (boulder the breccia, as well as finer layers where the deposits) of dark grey to black ironstone clasts clasts are restricted to yellow to brown/creamy and ferruginised (iron-impregnated) sandstone coloured muddy sands and muds up to 10–15 cm form the low (6–8 m) cliffs and eroded pillars in diameter, giving these horizons a distinctive around reddell Point in survey zones a and mottled appearance. In the higher cliffs, the b (Figs 8, 10). Semeniuk (2008) briefly boundary between the finer mottled layers and describes this unit in his account of the breccias is sharp, with the breccia horizons holocene deposits of the Canning Coast, but finning upwards over one to two metres of refrains from naming it, presumably because stratigraphic thickness (Fig. 10C). Semeniuk of its assumed pre-holocene age and complex (2008) considered these horizons to represent origin. this unit sits atop eroded upper parts of colluvial accumulations of sedimentary origin the broome Sandstone and also forms a zone that formed at the landward interface of the between the red Pleistocene mowanjum Sand intertidal zone. (Pindan) and younger holocene units (primarily Where the cliffs meet the beach, the sands the reworked mowanjum Sand and white coastal within the breccias have eroded and the cliffs dune sands; see below). have collapsed, leaving boulders of resilient the clasts in the breccia are typically angular, black ironstone and ferruginised sandstone and range in size from gravel (~2 mm) to large clasts strewn over headland (Fig. 10A). A large boulders up to 0.5 m in diameter. they consist finger of these eroded boulders extends seawards of dark grey to black ironstone clasts and from Reddell Point over the Broome Sandstone, ferruginised (iron-impregnated) sandstone (Fig. forming the northwestern boundary of Reddell 10a–B). Some of the latter might represent Point Beach in survey zone B. A thin (2–5 m) the eroded remnants of the upper parts of the strip of black ironstone boulders extends from broome Sandstone. alternatively, as hinted at this area for around 350–400 m, parallel to the by Semeniuk (2008), they may have eroded beach and 80 m from the astronomical high tide from older ironstone duricrusts of the hinterland. mark (Fig. 8). alisbury alisbury alisbury S S S . . . S S S

A B C

Figure 10. Unnamed mottled muddy sand and gravel, and ironstone breccia (Quaternary?). A, breccia of black ironstone clasts. B, close-up of clasts in A. C, Dr Anthony Romilio examines a sequence of breccias and sandy muds and gravels forming a low cliff at Reddell Point (survey zone B). © Steven W. Salisbury.

11 at bungurunan, the small beach just to the north Ngadjayi. The rock platforms nearby preserve of reddell Point in survey zone a, eroded pillars three-toed tracks that show where Marala formed by the mottled muddy sand and gravel and walked (Salisbury et al. 2017; see Fig. 1). As ironstone breccias of this unnamed Quaternary(?) such, this area is of high cultural significance, unit show where yinara and the other ngadjayi and provides the ideal starting point for people (female sea spirits) encountered marala, the emu to learn about the rich cultural and scientific man, in one of the bugarrigarra stories associated values associated National Heritage listed with the Song Cycle (Figs 2, 11). yinara, the dinosaurian tracks on this part of the Dampier tallest of the pillars, stands proud of the sand, Peninsula coastline. surrounded by the smaller pillars of the younger alisbury S . S

Figure 11. Prof. Carmen Lawrence, Patron of the Dinosaur Coast Management Group, alongside the Yinara pillar at Bungurunan (survey zone A). © Steven W. Salisbury.

Red sand dunes (Mowanjum Sand; Quaternary) and perched Holocene white coastal dune sands Red desert sands of the Mowanjum Sand (<10K BP), consisting of reworked Mowanjum (known locally as ‘Pindan’) and white coastal Sand form shore-parallel red dunes that are dune sands that are perched upon then form mixed or interfinger with perched Holocene the surface exposure over all of Entrance Point coastal dunes derived from calcareous beach above the intertidal zone, overlying the older sands. Between the main foredune complex and much thicker Broome Sandstone (see and Kavite Road and the industrial precinct in below). The Mowanjum Sand is a structureless survey zones A–D, small patches of endangered unit that consists mainly of red to orange quartz monsoon vine thicket persist in the more sand of aeolian (wind blow) origin derived protected swales formed by these Holocene in inland deserts, and is considered to be dunes. In other parts of the Kimberley, similar Pleistocene in age (between 10K and 2.6 million patches of this unique dry rainforest are included years old; Semeniuk 1984, 2008). Sheets and in the West Kimberley Heritage Area because wedges of white sand, ferruginised sand and of the evolutionary refugial role they play root-structured sand also occur within the main in supporting high invertebrate richness and red sand (Semeniuk 2008), and can been seen in endemism. the dunes above Reddell Point Beach in survey zones B and C, and at Entrance Point adjacent to survey zone D. Younger dunes of Holocene age 12 Broome Sandstone (Valanginian–Barremian; 140–127 million years old) General characteristics and age. Exposures of Broome Sandstone The Broome Sandstone is a terrestrially in the survey area. derived Mesozoic unit within the Canning There are extensive exposures —approximately Basin of north-western Western Australia that 1.2 km2—of Broome Sandstone throughout the forms much of the underlying ‘bedrock’ of the intertidal zone in the survey area. It forms a near Dampier Peninsula, including the survey area. continuous reef that runs parallel to the shore It extends over approximately 200 km of the from the southern end of Reddell Beach (survey Dampier Peninsula coastline, offshore and south zone A) around Entrance Point to Broome Jetty to Bidyadanga, and inland for approximately (the boundary between survey zones F and G), 100 km. Despite its immense extent, apart from over a distance of 3.8 km. The outer reef is 200– a few hills, exposures of the Broome Sandstone 300 m wide for most of its length. The extent to are limited to the intertidal zone; inland, which the outer reef system is exposed during Palaeogene–Quaternary coastal deposits such as large spring tides, when the low tide extends the Mowanjum Sand (see above) bury it upper below 1 m, is considerably more extensive than surfaces. Boreholes across the different parts of that shown in the preliminary site proposal for the peninsula show that the preserved portion the Safe Boat Harbour, which appears to be of the Broome Sandstone is at least 274 m thick based on a satellite image that we estimate was (McWhae et al., 1956; Veevers and Wells, 1961; taken with the ocean at around the 4–5 m low Playford et al., 1975; Gorter et al. 1979; Forman tide mark (Fig. 3). At 4–5 m, the entire outer and Wales, 1981; Gibson, 1983; Yeates et al., reef system, which extends from approximately 1984; Haines, 2011; Salisbury et al. 2017). 200 to 500 m from the shore, is not apparent. The type section of the Broome Sandstone At Reddell Point (the north-western end of occurs in the sea-cliffs at Minyirr. It is zone B), the south-eastern end of Reddell Point typically defined as alternating sequences Beach (the south-eastern end of survey zone C) of coarse-grained to fine micaceous and the southern end of Entrance Point (zone D sandstones, subordinate interbedded siltstones, and the western side of zone E), the exposure of conglomerates and poorly preserved soil Broome Sandstone is almost unbroken from the horizons, deposited in marginal coastal plain astronomical high tide mark out to the 0.9 m low settings, typified by a series of prograding tide mark, extending over a distance of 300–350 deltas (McWhae et al., 1956; Brunnschweiler, m. Along Reddell Point Beach (the south-eastern 1957; Veevers and Wells, 1961; Playford et al., half of survey zone B and all of survey zone C), 1975; Forman and Wales, 1981; Salisbury et al. the main exposure of Broome Sandstone starts 2017). Exposures to the north of Broome around around 190 m from the astronomical high tide Walmadany (James Price Point) are typically mark at around the 2 m low tide mark, and from more fluvial (riverine) in nature than those there extends out to point 420 m from the shore around Broome, which are thought to represent at the 0.9 m low tide mark. A second, narrower more coastal depositional settings. band of Broome Sandstone runs parallel to the The precise age of Broome Sandstone has shore, extending from the astronomical high tide been difficult to establish due to the absence of mark out to approximately 7.5 m low tide mark, marine invertebrate fossils (which are important forming the upper 50 m of beach. Outcrops for global age correlations). The most precise of Broome Sandstone in this area are partially age proposal is that Niccoll et al (2009), who buried by a thin (~1–2 m thick) veneer of beach used dinocysts and spore-pollen correlations sand. Some of the more prominent platforms are to constrain the age to the middle-Valanginian permanently exposed, but many of the others to middle-Barremian age (140 to ~127 million are buried as often as they are visible, indicating years ago). that the sand cover is not only relatively thin, but also very mobile (Figs 5A, 9B).

13 The small headlands at the southern end of no appreciable dip, as is the case in other parts Entrance Point (at the boundaries of survey of the Dampier Peninsula (e.g., Walmadany; zones D and E, and E and F) are each formed Salisbury et al. 2017). As a consequence, the by Broome Sandstone. From the most southerly stratigraphically lowest (i.e., older) horizons are headland, similar to Reddell Point Beach, a thin more seaward, while the higher (i.e., younger) (30–25 m) strip of Broome Sandstone connects ones are more landward. Although the outcrop the two headlands and hugs the coastline, is highly eroded by surf action, and the exposure extending northeast to Broome Jetty. A small is patchy, particularly where there is a lot of exposure of Cable Beach Sand unconformably sand cover, based on the vertical extent of the sits atop this band of Broome Sandstone intertidal exposures and sections exposed in the either side of the south-east facing boat ramp. low cliffs, headlands and pillars throughout the North of Broome Jetty, exposures of Broome survey area (Fig. 12), there is approximately 10– Sandstone are limited to a narrow (100 m wide) 11 m of stratigraphy preserved. This thickness continuation of the main reef system that runs is consistent with adjacent beaches and the type parallel to the shore, ending just south of the area at Minyirr. Kimberley Port Authority slipway (Fig. 7). The outer-most exposures of Broome Sandstone North of the slipway, at the southern end of are heavily encrusted in large corals and other Simpson’s Beach, there appears to be minimal marine invertebrates (Fig. 13A), making intertidal exposure of the Broome Sandstone. observations about their lithology difficult. Physical characteristics (lithology) of the From around the 1.5 m low tide mark, however, Broome Sandstone in the survey area. invertebrate encrustation is reduced, and for All the exposed strata of the Broome Sandstone outcrops that are intermittently buried, surfaces in the survey area are essentially flat lying with are relatively clean. alisbury alisbury S S . . S S

A B Figure 12. Strata of the upper exposed section of Broome Sandstone. A, exposure at Entrance Point (survey zone E) with high-angle cross-bedding and channel structures. Nigel Clarke for scale. B, exposure at Reddell Point Beach (survey zone C). © Steven W. Salisbury. 14 Overall, the lithology and structure of the channels are over a metre in width, and they Broome Sandstone in the survey area is very cut through the surrounding finer laminations similar to that described for the northern part and cross-bedding (Fig. 12). High angle cross- of Reddell Beach by Gray (2015), and some bedding on some eroded pillars in survey zone of the horizons maybe be stratigraphically C on Reddell Point Beach exceeds 30–40º (Fig. equivalent. The bulk of the section, particularly 13D), as was observed by McCrea et al. (2012). the lower eight metres, is dominated by a series At Entrance Point, the upper 1–2 m of Broome of alternating, sub-centimetre thick sandstone Sandstone becomes more sand-dominated, and and siltstone beds (Fig. 13B). The sandstone is a includes thin (10–30 cm) lenses that contain rusty red to orange in colour, while the siltstone sub-angular rip-up clasts of what appear to be is cream to white. Sedimentary structures within the paler coloured siltstone. Above these breccia these laminated beds include symmetrical ripple layers, the laminated sandstone and siltstone marks, desiccation cracks, and rare invertebrate with channels and cross-bedding returns. Rare burrows (Fig. 13B–C) and dinosaurian track fossilised impressions of plant—typically partial horizons (see below). Higher in the section, at fronds of bennettitaleans, a cycad-like fern— approximately nine metres, cross-bedding (sets occur in some of the upper-most parts of the of inclined layers) and cross-cutting channel section, usually within the siltstone laminations structures begin to appear. Some of these (Fig. 13E). alisbury alisbury alisbury S S S . . . S S S

A ~ 1 m B 10 cm C 1 cm omilio R alisbury . S . A S

D E 1 cm Figure 13. Exposures, sedimentary structures and fossil traces of the Broome Sandstone within the survey area. A, the stratigraphically lowest exposures are heavily encrusted with large coral colonies (survey zone C). B, fossil ripple marks (survey zone E). C, fossilised horizontal invertebrate burrows (survey zone C). D, high angle cross-bedding (survey zone C). E, fossilised impressions of bennettitalean frond fragments (survey zone C). © Steven W. Salisbury. © Anthony Romilio 15 Dinosaurian tracks are a common feature of main reef system, are typically encrusted with the Broome Sandstone within the survey area, coral and other marine invertebrates. The track- but are restricted to the lower 8–9 metres of the bearing surfaces that are higher in the section section within the finely laminated sandstone and which are periodically buried in beach sand and siltstone, always below the start of the are typically much cleaner. channels and cross-bedding. The majority of The lithologies and sedimentary structures track-bearing horizons seem to be concentrated observed in exposures of Broome Sandstone in in two main bands: the first at approximately the survey area point to a depositional setting 7–9 metres (between the 9 and 7 m low tide that was most likely a low energy deltaic tidal mark), starting close the astronomical high- flat, as has been proposed for the northern tide mark and extending for 30–40 metres part of Reddell Beach by Gray (2015). The seawards; the second at approximately 1–2.5 surface of the tidal flat was routinely traversed metres (between the 2.5 and 1 m low tide mark), by dinosaurs, presumably moving along the close to the seaward edge of main reef system. coastline. With time, towards the top of the Additional concentrations of track-bearing section as the delta system prograded (i.e., horizons occur between the two main bands, migrated seawards), parts of the tidal flat were particularly at Reddell Point (survey zone B) cut by shallow drainage and/or river channels. and at the south-eastern end of Reddell Point It is possible that there was some degree of Beach (survey zone C) and throughout survey aeolian (wind-driven) deposition on parts of zone D. The dinosaurian tracks are described exposed sandbars, as has been suggested by in more detail in the following sections. Tracks McCrea (2012). that occur in the lower part of the section, in the omilio R alisbury alisbury alisbury . S S S . . . A S S S

20 cm 20 cm 20 cm 20 cm A B C D

A D

C B 1 m 10 cm A’ B’ C’ D’

Figure 14. Dinosaurian track types within the survey area. A, theropod pedal impression (Megalosauropus broomensis; survey zone E). B, ornithopod pedal impression (Wintonopus middletona; survey zone C). C, sauropod pedal and (D) manual impressions (undescribed ichnotaxon; survey zone C). © Steven W. Salisbury. © Anthony Romilio

16 National Heritage Listed dinosaurian tracks of the Reddell Point—Entrance Point Area We have recorded over 140 National Heritage listed dinosaurian track-bearing surfaces in the Broome Sandstone within the survey area. Many of these surfaces preserve multiple tracks and trackways, so the total number of individual tracks is much higher. Some areas, such as Reddell Point (survey zone B) are heavily trampled and probably include hundreds of individual tracks and trackways. We conservatively estimate that there are easily more than 500 individual tracks in this area, potentially spanning many tens, if not hundreds of thousands of years of dinosaurian activity 140–127 million years ago.

Main track types Three different types of dinosaurian tracks The sauropod tracks are the most abundant occur within the survey area: sauropod tracks, track types and occur within zones A–F of the theropod tracks and ornithopod tracks (Fig. 14). survey area and possibly in zone G. There are The preservation of tracks ranges from ‘true’ isolated pedal and manual tracks, coupled sets tracks that preserve details of the manual and of manual and pedal tracks, and portions of pedal morphology of the trackmakers, tracks trackways. Pedal tracks form large, pear-shaped preserved as pedestals, through to partially depressions that are approximately 1.3 times eroded tracks, and various forms of transmitted as long as they are wide. The largest around tracks. Cross-sections through some tracks show 110–120 cm long, whereas the smallest are the relationship between the true track (on the approximately 30 cm long, although most range track surface traversed by the trackmaker) and in length from 60–70cm. The manual tracks are the underlying transmitted tracks (the deformed considerably smaller, forming shallow, kidney layers directly beneath the true track), providing shaped depressions that are approximately 1.6 insights into the physical characteristics of both times longer than they are wide, but with the the trackmaker and track horizons (e.g., relative longest axis being perpendicular to that of the body mass, foot movement and sediment pedal tracks. Where the pedal and manual tracks plasticity) (Fig. 15A). occur in couplets or as part of a trackway, the pedal tracks are around four times the size of the manual tracks. elly K alisbury D. S . S

A B Figure 15. Dinosaurian tracks preservation. A, sauropod tracks preserved in cross-section (survey zone C). B, theropod and sauropod tracks preserved as true tracks (survey zone A). Note the tracks in B indicate coeval occurrence of theropod and sauropod trackmakers. © Steven W. Salisbury. © Damian Kelly

D. Kelly

17 Some aspects of the morphology and trackway in survey zone a, at bungurunan, there is a parameters of the sauropod tracks in the survey rare example of direct association between area point to the presence of a new track type a theropod trackway and sauropod trackway that is distinct from the six other types of (Figs 15B, 17c), in which one overprints the sauropod tracks already described from the other. this is one of the few instances in the Broome Sandstone by Salisbury et al. (2017). entire broome Sandstone where we can infer a These tracks are characterised by long and sequence of trackmaking events in broad impressions for the first three toes, and a the same track surface between two different gently tapered heel region (Fig. 14C), among types of trackmakers. Also of significance, in other characteristics. Associated manual tracks survey zone e there is a high concentration of are kidney-shaped and lack any indication of theropod tracks assignable to Megalosauropus a pollex (thumb) impression (Fig. 14D). The broomensis, seemingly made by multiple morphological detail associated with some trackmakers, all on the same track surface (Fig. of these tracks, their occurrence in multiple 24a,B). Such a concentration of tracks point to trackways and the range of preservation a possible aggregation of trackmakers, which, in styles that occur within the survey area is the case of theropods, might point to behavioural scientifically significant, and further research interactions. this is also extremely rare in the may lead to them forming the basis of a new broome Sandstone and warrants further detailed sauropod ichnotaxon (track type). This sauropod research. overall, the high abundance ichnotaxon appears to be unique to the Broome of theropod tracks in the survey area and Sandstone of the greater Broome area (i.e., adjacent areas such as reddell beach relative Cable Beach–Minyirr–Reddell Beach–Entrance to other parts of the Dampier Peninsula is Point and Roebuck Bay), and does not occur significant, and may point to possible habitat in exposures farther north around Walmadany preferences for these trackmakers. of cultural described by Salisbury et al. (2017). The high significance, theropod tracks in the survey area density of some of these sauropod tracks in form part of the northern tradition of the Song some parts of the survey area (e.g., survey zone Cycle, and feature in bugarrigarra stories about B and the southern end of survey zone C) might marala, the emu man also provide evidence of sauropod herding (see ‘Cultural significance’). behaviour. in survey zone C, at the southern end of reddell Three-toed theropod tracks are the second Point beach, there is a rare example of an most abundant track type in the area (Fig. ornithopod track (Figs 5a, 14B). this track is 14A), and occur in surveys zone A, D and E. small, around 30 cm across by 20 cm in length, Most of these tracks appear to be assignable to with three short, broad toe impressions and no Megalosauropus broomensis, the type tracks of indication of a heel. this particular track seems which occur at Minyirr (Glauert, 1952; Colbert to be assignable to Wintonopus middletona, a and Merrilees, 1967; Salisbury et al., 2017; type of ornithopod track unique to the broome Romilio et al., 2017). They range in size from Sandstone recently described by Salisbury et around 25–55 cm in length, and occur as isolated al. (2017). Wintonopus middletona is extremely tracks and trackways. rare, known only from three other tracks, all of which occur in the Walmadany area. hence, the track from Reddell Point Beach is the first confirmed case of W. middletona and one of the few ornithopod tracks in the entire broome area. the presence of this particular track at reddell Point Beach is scientifically significant in that it adds to our knowledge of this poorly known track type, and extends both its geographic and its stratigraphic range. moreover, it alters our understanding of the inferred makeup of the dinosaurian trackmakers in the local area. 18 Additional comments on each of the survey zones (A–G; Fig. 8)

Zone A Zone A includes part of a small beach known there are high numbers of theropod tracks as Bungurunan. It occurs at the southern end of and trackways, pointing to the contemporaneous Reddell Beach, which preserves an extremely occurrence of two different types of dinosaurs. high abundance of National Heritage listed Some of the Megalosauropus broomensis dinosaurian track-bearing surfaces (Figs 16 trackways are the best examples in the and 17). These are found within at least three broome Sandstone, and are currently being distinct track-bearing horizons, the first between researched as part of study focused on this the 9 and 7 m low tide mark, starting close the particular track type. astronomical high-tide mark and extending for Bungurunan is of high cultural significance, 30–40 metres seawards (Fig 16A); the second preserving eroded stone pillars that show where Abetween the 5 and 3 m low tide mark, 150–230 yinara and the other ngadjayi (female sea m from the astronomical high-tide mark (Fig spirits) encountered marala, the emu man, in 16B–E); and the third between the 2.5 and 1 one of the bugarrigarra stories associated with m low tide mark, close to the seaward edge of the northern tradition of the Song Cycle (Figs main reef system (Fig 17). Other track-bearing 2, 11). yinara, the tallest of the pillars, stands horizons also occur scattered between these proud of the sand, surrounded by the smaller main zones. pillars of the younger ngadjayi. the rock The tracks of this zone are exclusively platforms nearby preserve three-toed tracks that saurischian in origin, being made by sauropods show where marala walked (Salisbury et al. and theropods. Sauropod tracks dominate, but 2017; see Figs 15B, 16e, 17c). omilio omilio omilio R R R . . . A A A

B D omilio omilio R R . . A A

A C E Figure 16. Survey zone A, National Heritage listed dinosaurian track-bearing surfaces. A, sauropod trackway located between the 7–9 m low tide mark. B–D, sauropod trackways located between the 3–5 m low tide mark. E, theropod track located near the 3–5 m low tide mark © Anthony Romilio

19 omilio omilio omilio R R R . . . A A A

A B C Figure 17. Survey zone A National Heritage listed dinosaurian track-bearing surfaces located between the 1–2.5 m low tide mark. A, sauropod trackway. B, sauropod trackway. C, sauropod trackway associated with at least one theropod trackway. © Anthony Romilio

20 Zone B Zone B encompasses Reddell Point and the the tracks of this zone are exclusively those north-western part of Reddell Point Beach. of sauropods. Some of the track-bearing Similar to the southern end of Reddell Point, it is surfaces are heavily ‘trampled’ over a large area characterised by high abundance of dinosaurian (200–300 m2), and the concentration of tracks tracks, and many of the track-bearing surfaces is so high that individual trackways are often are likely continuous between the two areas difficult to discern (Fig. 18a, D). Significantly, (Fig. 18). Track-bearing surfaces occur right these trample zones and adjacent track-bearing through the intertidal zone, but are more surfaces in survey zone b preserves a number concentrated close the astronomical high-tide of well-preserved manual tracks, which, being mark between the 9 and 7 m low tide mark (Fig. shallower than pedal tracks are often easily B18D), between the 5 and 3 m low tide mark eroded. additionally, tracks occur across a (70–130 m from the astronomical high-tide spectrum of erosional states, providing an mark; Fig. 18D) and between the 2.5 and 1 m important reference in enabling footprint low tide mark, 190–300 m from the shore and identification. close to the seaward edge of main reef system Of historical significance, this area includes the (Fig. 18A–C). first sauropod tracks discovered in Australia, made by the late Paul Foulkes back in the late 1980s. (Figs 5B, 19). omilio omilio R R . . A A

A B omilio omilio R R . . A A

C omilio R . A

D 21 E PREVIOUS PAGE Figure 18. Survey zone B National Heritage listed dinosaurian track-bearing surfaces. A, Dr Anthony Romilio points to sauropod tracks. B, Dr Steven Salisbury records the GPS of part of a track-bearing surface that includes the coupled manual and pedal tracks of a sauropod. C, Dr Anthony Romilio shows a discernible sauropod trackway within the trample zone. D, sauropod tracks. E, sauropod tracks that possibly includes several coupled manual and pedal tracks. E, indistinct sauropod true tracks within trampled area. © Steven W. Salisbury. © Anthony Romilio alisbury alisbury S S . . S S

A B Figure 19. Survey zone B contains the first sauropod tracks identified in Australia. A, large sauropod tracks discovered during the late 1980s by the late Paul Foulkes. B, Billy Foulkes stands at the dinosaur tracksite his grandfather discovered (April 2014). © Steven W. Salisbury.

22 Zone C Zone C covers the south-eastern two-thirds of Sauropod tracks dominate survey zone C, many Reddell Point Beach, spanning a distance of over a metre in length, and a number of these around 1 km. It contains a moderate abundance occur in trackways and show morphological of dinosaurian tracks. Where the Broome details suggestive of a new track type that is Sandstone is exposed, track-bearing surfaces yet to be described or named (Fig. 22C–D; occur in two main zones that run parallel to the see previous section on sauropod tracks). beach. The first, which contains a higher number Significantly, zone C preserves the fourth known of tracks, occurs close the astronomical high- occurrence (in the world) of the ornithopod tide mark between the 9 and 7 m low tide mark, track Wintonopus middletona (Fig. 21A,B), and forming the upper 50–70 m of the intertidal zone the only one south of the Walmadany area (see C(Fig. 21). The second, which contains multiple Salisbury et al. 2017). This newly discovered trackways but fewer tracks overall, is between track preserves morphological details not seen in the 2.5 and 1 m low tide mark, 180–280 m from the previously described tracks, providing new the shore (Fig. 20). Some tracks also occur insights into the pedal anatomy and movements between these two zones, particularly towards of its trackmaker. the south-eastern end of the beach (Fig. 22). Overall this end of the beach has the greatest concentration of tracks in zone C, most likely because it has less sand cover than the north- western end of the beach. omilio omilio R R alisbury . . S . A A S

B omilio R . A

A C D Figure 20. Survey zone C National Heritage listed dinosaurian track-bearing surfaces located between the 1–2.5 m low tide mark. A, Dr Steven Salisbury points to sauropod trackway. B, Dr Steven Salisbury points to large sauropod tracks. C, sauropod dinosaur coupled manual and pedal tracks preserved as true tracks. D, sauropod trackway preserved as pedestals with Dr Anthony Romilio and Dianne Bennett (DCMG). © Steven W. Salisbury. © Anthony Romilio.

23 elly K D. alisbury S . S

A B omilio omilio R R alisbury . . S . A A S

C D E omilio omilio omilio R R R . . . A A A

F G H Figure 21. Survey zone C National Heritage listed dinosaurian track-bearing surfaces located between the 7–9 m low tide mark. A, Louise Middleton shows Dr Bob Brown the ornithopod track that bears her name–Wintonopus middletona. B, close-up of Wintonopus middletona. C, aerial view of several trackways formed by large-bodied sauropods. D, water retained within a possible sauropod undertrack cools ‘Missy the dinosaur-tracking dog’. E, coupled manual and pedal sauropod tracks. F, sauropod trackway. G, sauropod trackway with Dr Steven Salisbury and Leon Teoh (DCMG). H, sauropod tracks preserved with infill and in cross section. © Damian Kelly. © Steven W. Salisbury. © Anthony Romilio.

24 mith S . alisbury K S . S

A omilio R . A alisbury S . S

D alisbury S . S

B E

Figure 22: Survey zone C National Heritage listed dinosaurian track-bearing surfaces, between the 2.5–7 m low tide mark. A, Dianne Bennett (DCMG) with Steve Backshall (Deadly 60) after storm activity stripped vast amounts of sand from the south-eastern end of the beach, exposed the underlying Broome Sandstone. B, Jeremy MacMath (SoB) at the site of a currently unnamed, and likely new sauropod track type. C, close-up of the pedal impression of the unnamed sauropod track type. D, close-up of the manual impression of the unnamed sauropod track type. E, exposure with sauropod tracks. © Kevin Smith. © Steven W. Salisbury. © Anthony Romilio.

25 Zone D Zone D forms the southern headland and The majority of dinosaurian tracks in zone D rocky foreshore of Entrance Point. It contains pertain to sauropods, but there is at least one a moderate abundance of dinosaurian tracks theropod track assignable to Megalosauropus (Fig. 23). They occur within three main track- broomensis. An ornithopod track has been bearing horizons. The first is only 10 m from recorded in this area by Dianne Bennett the astronomical high tide mark towards the top (Dinosaur Coast Management Group). of the beach, between the 9 and 8 m low tide Unfortunately, at the time of our 2018 survey, mark. The second is between the 5 and 3 m low the surface that this track occurs in was buried tide mark, 100–140 m from the astronomical by sand. Some of the sauropod tracks in zone high-tide mark (Fig. 23A–B), while the third D are noteworthy for the morphological detail Dbetween the 2.5 and 1 m low tide mark, close to that is apparent in some of the manual tracks. A the seaward edge of main reef system, starting at partial trackway close to the edge of the rocky around 230 m from the upper limit of the beach headland forms a popular location for weddings, (Fig. 23C). The shorter distance from shore of with couples often standing in one of the tracks these track-bearing surfaces relative to those as they take their marriage vows. in adjacent survey zones seems to relate to the overall slightly steeper angle of the reef system compared with other parts of the survey area. omilio alisbury alisbury R S S . . . A S S

A B C

Figure 23. Survey zone D National Heritage listed dinosaurian track-bearing surfaces. A, sauropod trackway located between the 3–5 m low tide mark, with Kevin and Bill Foulkes, Jay Nair, and Damian Kelly. B, coupled manual and pedal sauropod tracks located between the 1–2.5 m low tide mark, as shown by Dr Steven Salisbury. C, theropod track located between the 1–2.5 m low tide mark. © Steven W. Salisbury. © Anthony Romilio.

26 Zone E Zone e straddles the area between the two tracksite indicates evidence of gregarious public boat ramps at entrance Point, and is behaviour among the theropod trackmakers. bounded at its north-eastern end by a low cliff of Isolated sauropod tracks and partial trackways broome Sandstone that includes well preserved occur in what appears to be the same horizon ripple marks, cross-bedding and channel along the northern boundary of this survey zone, structures (Figs 12a, 13B ). around 200 m from the astronomical high tide Dinosaurian tracks in this zone occur within mark and west from the low cliffs north of the two track-bearing horizons (Fig. 24). One south east-facing boat ramp. The second track- horizon, only visible at the lowest tide mark bearing horizon occurs close to the astronomical (1.2–0.3 m), preserves one of the highest single high tide mark, and includes a sauropod Econcentrations of theropod tracks currently trackway that can be seen from the edge of the known within the entire Broome Sandstone Entrance Point carpark (Fig. 24C). (Fig. 24A–B). Preliminary research of this alisbury alisbury alisbury S S S . . . S S S

A B C Figure 24. Survey zone E National Heritage listed dinosaurian track-bearing surfaces. A, Prof. Tim Flannery alongside multiple theropod trackways (indicated by arrows). B, additional theropod trackways located between the 0.3–1.2 m low tide mark. C, sauropod trackway located between 8–9 m tide mark, close to the Entrance Point carpark. © Steven W. Salisbury.

27 Zone F Zone F encompasses the south-east facing beach Dinosaurian tracks in this area are exclusively and inlet to the south of Broome Jetty. Only a attributed to sauropods. Other fossils include few dinosaurian tracks occur in this area. Some fossilised invertebrate burrows. Some are isolated sauropod tracks and partial trackways preserved in situ in exposures of Broome on detached rock platforms occur just below Sandstone close to shore and under the jetty, the astronomical high tide mark along the upper while many occur as in loose slabs. Some shoreline (Fig. 25A–D), while others occur of these tubes and burrows can be attributed in a much lower horizon near the edge of the Domichnia (‘dwelling’ traces) or Fodinchia, outer reef, and these are largely restricted to the (‘feeding’ traces) which has been recorded southern half of this survey zone (Fig. 25E). We in Broome Sandstone in the Walmadany Fwere only able to locate one track in the northern area (Salisbury et al., 2017:Fig. 17A, B), but half of this area. these are much larger and may pertain to the ichnogenus Thalassinoides (Fig. 25F). Some of the other invertebrate traces might be assignable to Palaeophycus, which, to our knowledge, has not been reported from the Broome Sandstone (Fig. 25G). omilio omilio R R . . A A D. Bennett

C omilio R . A

A B D om ilio omilio omilio R R R . . . A A A

10 cm 10 cm E F G Figure 25. Survey zone F National Heritage listed dinosaurian track-bearing surfaces and related trace fossils. A, detached platform with a partial sauropod trackway. B, in situ circular structures that may represent sauropod tracks; C, isolated partial sauropod track in cross section. D, isolated partial sauropod true track. E, in situ circular structures that likely represent transmitted sauropod tracks. F, large invertebrate burrows assignable to Thalassinoides. G, horizontal invertebrate burrows assignable to Palaeophycus. © Dianne Bennett. © Anthony Romilio.

28 Zone G Zone G, between Broome Jetty and the KPA slipway, does not appear to preserve any dinosaurian tracks in the exposed sections of Broome Sandstone. Some circular structures close to the shore have the appearance of sauropod tracks, although they could equally be erosional features (Fig. 26A–B). North of the slipway, in the inlet below the Broome Hovercraft hanger, we found no evidence of dinosaurian tracks in the intertidal zone. omilio omilio R R . . A G A

A B Figure 26. Survey zone G with in situ circular structures. A, structure may represent a transmitted sauropod track. B, possible sauropod trackway. © Anthony Romilio.

29 4. DISCUSSION

Overview and significance

Scientific significance of dinosaurian tracks and related geological structures The Broome Sandstone is globally unique The large geographic extent and varying because of the high abundance of dinosaurian stratigraphic position of dinosaurian tracksites tracks it preserves, the geographical extent in the Broome Sandstone means that it may of the tracksites, and, most significantly, be possible to determine the distribution and the unparalleled diversity of tracks that are abundance of different types of dinosaurs in a represented (Salisbury et al. 2017). Nowhere range of habitats through time—something that else in the world has as many different type of is rarely possible with body fossils. Detailed dinosaurian tracks as the Dampier Peninsula. digital mapping and stratigraphic work that we The Broome Sandstone also provides our only have carried out since 2011 is allowing us to detailed look at Australia’s dinosaurian fauna reconstruct large parts of the Dampier Peninsula during the first half of the Cretaceous Period, coastline, and determine the extent to which between 127 and 140 million years ago; we different tracksites and track-bearing surfaces have no other dinosaurian sites of this age in relate to each other stratigraphically within the Australia. The tracks form the primary record exposed sections of Broome Sandstone (see of dinosaurs for the western half of Australia, Romilio et al., 2017). This work will provide an and many of them have no obvious counterpart unprecedented insight into the palaeoecology among described body fossils from other parts of Australian dinosaurs. The results will also of the continent. For these reasons, dinosaurian provide an exciting platform from which tracks in the Broome Sandstone form one to design management strategies for the of the key values associated with the West dinosaurian tracksites of the West Kimberley Kimberley National Heritage Area, and, as National Heritage Area, which occur in a unique such, are afforded protection under the 1999 coastal setting on publicly accessible beaches. Environmental Protection and Biodiversity As far as we know, the Reddell Point–Entrance Conservation Act. Point area preserves the most southerly Given the dynamic nature of the Dampier dinosaurian track-bearing surfaces in the Peninsula coastline and the ephemeral exposure Broome Sandstone within the West Kimberley. of the Broome Sandstone along its sandy The tracksites are well south of those that occur beaches, we can never be completely sure that further to the east on the northern shores of all the dinosaurian tracks and track-bearing Roebuck Bay, and south of those on Reddell surfaces within the survey area were observed. Beach, Minyirr and Cable Beach (Maralgun). It is very likely that many more tracks than the From what we currently know of the geology ones we have reported on herein lie just beneath and stratigraphy of the Broome Sandstone, these the sand on some of the beaches we walked tracksites may therefore sit within a unique over. Nevertheless, combined with our earlier part of the great delta system that formed the research work in the area between 2011 and Broome Sandstone 140–127 million years 2017, our 2018 survey gave us a much better ago. The dinosaurs that inhabited this area understanding of the extent of dinosaurian may have lived in the most coastal of all the tracks in this area, and we feel we have enough palaeoenvironmental settings that formed part information to comment on their scientific of the Broome Sandstone delta system, and significance. represent a unique part of the palaeontological story that we are beginning to reconstruct for this area.

30 In the context of this broader story, all the tracks Peninsula is the only place in australia where in the survey area are important, and only in evidence of this type of behaviour among their entirety can they help us to reconstruct this sauropod dinosaurs can be seen. of particular prehistoric ‘lost world’ of the Kimberley. We can significance are ‘sauropod thoroughfares’, some use the data collected during the course of this of the best examples that are close to broome. study to begin to assess the relative abundance the large number of theropod tracks in a single of each of the main track types (sauropod, track horizon at entrance Point in Survey zone theropod and ornithopod) within the geological E is also highly significant in its own right. This time represented in by the 10–11 section of is one of the highest single concentrations of Broome Sandstone that occurs in the survey Megalosauropus broomensis that we are aware area. Assuming the preserved section of Broome of in the broome Sandstone, and may point Sandstone represents many tens, if not hundreds to gregarious behaviour among the theropod of thousands of years of deposition, we can trackmakers. at bungurunan in survey zone C, now start to map where individual track-bearing there is also evidence for potential interaction surfaces occur relative to each other, as well as between sauropod and theropod trackmakers. other adjacent beaches such as Reddell Beach Significantly, these tracks include the smallest where we have similar data. Further work on sauropod footprints currently known for the the depositional environment associated with broome Sandstone, and their association the sediments in which the tracks occur, and with comparatively large theropod tracks is comparing these data through the section, will reminiscent of one of the world’s most famous allow us to see how the dinosaurs were using ‘dinosaur chase scenes’, preserved in fossilised the different habitats. To be able to even attempt tracks in the lower Cretaceous rocks of the Glen to do something like this highlights just how rose Formation, texas, where a theropod was significant and unique the Broome Sandstone is. apparently following a sauropod (bird, 1944; Some of the tracks and trackways that occur in Farlow et al., 2012; thomas and Farlow, 1997; the survey area are scientifically significant in Falkingham et al., 2014). their own right. Some of the sauropod tracks the discovery on reddell Point beach (survey in this area provide important evidence for zone C) of the fourth known occurrence (in the the recognition of a new type of track that is world) of an ornithopod track that is assignable not seen anywhere else in the world. This is to Wintonopus middletona is also significant particularly true for tracks that occur at Reddell (Figs 5a, 14B, 21 a,B). this is the only Point (survey zone B) and along parts of confirmed example of an ornithopod track in Reddell Point Beach (survey zone C). Reddell the greater broome area. importantly, it hints Point also preserves evidence of the passage at its trackmaker being a rare dinosaur in the of many sauropod trackmakers, seemingly broome area (albeit for the palaeoenvironments all on the same track surface, and therefore that are preserved in zone C), and expands their presumably around the same time. Although geographic and stratigraphic range. we may never be sure, such evidence is very suggestive of these gigantic dinosaurs having to conclude, the reddell Point–entrance Point traversed this part of the tidal flat in lumbering area adds to the overall scientific significance herd. Where they were going and exactly what of the broome Sandstone, and preserves some these dinosaurs looked like is unclear, but trying unique aspects of its national heritage listed to re-imagine this scene casts this small rocky dinosaurian ichnofauna. headland in entirely new light. The Dampier

31 Cultural significance The theropod tracks preserved in the rocks at integrated into indigenous creation stories Bungurunan, the small beach at the northern end (Major and Sargeant 2001; Salisbury et al. of Reddell Point (in zone A), form an important 2017). Bungurunan is an area where people part of the cultural heritage of the Broome area can see and learn about this remarkable aspect and greater West Kimberley. They mark the of the dinosaurian tracks of the Broome place where the creation being Marala, the Emu Sandstone first-hand, where science and Man, first encountered the Ngadjayi (female sea traditional culture come together in a truly spirits), in a publicly known Bugarrigarra story unique way. The cultural dimension associated linked to the Northern Tradition of the Song with the dinosaurian tracks in this area adds an Cycle of the Dampier Peninsula coastline. The additional layer of significance to their National Dampier Peninsula is one of the few areas in Heritage value. the world where dinosaurian tracks are clearly

Tourism potential There is enormous potential for dinosaur- traditionally tried to see dinosaurian tracks, themed tourism within the survey area. The high access at reddell Point and particularly abundance of tracks, their quality, diversity, entrance Point, is very safe—there is no need to scientific significance, links to indigenous climb over hazardous slippery rocks—and it is culture and ease of access make this particular no surprise that these picturesque beaches are area ideally suited to visitation. People can popular walking spots for many broome locals. easily access dinosaurian tracks from two public in addition, because of the unusual distribution car parks, one at Reddell Point and the other of track-bearing surfaces, tracks can be seen on at Entrance Point Boat ramp. Unlike nearby any tide (high or low). Minyirr (Gantheaume Point) where people have ebasti R adia N

Figure 27. Dinosaur educational tour conducted by Dianne Bennett of the Dinosaur Coast Management Group (DCMG). Dianne is instructing teachers and students from Broome North Primary School about the area’s dinosaurian track fauna. Sauropod tracksite in survey zone E. © Nadia Rebasti. 32 the Dinosaur Coast management Group has As public awareness of the scientific and already started taking school groups to entrance cultural significance of National Heritage Listed Point–reddell Point beach (Figs 27, 28). From dinosaurian tracks in the Reddell Point–Entrance the south-west facing boat ramp at entrance Point area increases, we expect more people will Point they are able to get permission for a want to come and experience this unique part of vehicle to go onto the beach, where they can Broome (and indeed Australia). In a few years drive around to the south-eastern end of reddell time, we would not be surprised if Reddell Point Point beach. From there it is a short walk to the and Reddell Point Beach were more popular for spectacular sauropod tracks in that area. in ‘dinosaur spotting’ than nearby Minyirr. The addition to Gurbinwila (near the broome bird tracks are easier to find, and the area offers a observatory, which is not as popular given the more diverse suite of dinosaurian track types time it takes to drive from town), this is one of and rocks, and there are clear links to indigenous the few places where a group can easily get culture. It is easy to forget that this is one of close to tracks with a vehicle. at the time of only a handful of picturesque beaches close to writing this report, the DCmG were taking a Broome where people can easily experience group of 43 students from broome north globally unique dinosaurian tracks. There is Primary School to reddell Point beach to see nowhere else in Australia other than the Dampier its dinosaurian tracks (Figs 27, 28). Peninsula where people can see sauropod tracks, Because of its cultural significance and links and this is one of the best beaches to do it. to places and stories in the Song Cycle, the It is an incredible natural asset that Broome lurujarri heritage trail, which traces part of needs to embrace. the Song Cycle, also often starts at bungurunan (reddell Point). narlijia Cultural tours, run by bart Pigram, now takes people to reddell Point to experience its dinosaurian tracks and learn about their links to bugarrigarra stories. We very much expect other commercial tour groups to start incorporating this area into their itineraries in the near future. ebasti R ebasti R adia N adia N

A B Figure 28. Dinosaur educational tour conducted by members of the Dinosaur Coast Management Group (DCMG). A, Michelle Teoh conveys the dinosaurian track fauna diversity to students of the Broome North Primary School. B, students using creative methods to measure track parameters. Sauropod tracks include those in survey zones C–E. © Nadia Rebasti. 33 Potential impacts on National Heritage listed dinosaurian tracks associated with a proposed Safe Boat Harbour on Reddell Point Beach

The Safe Boat Harbour facility that has been Although the main footprint of the proposed proposed for Reddell Point Beach is still in its facility covers the middle one third of the concept phase. As such, details of the design and beach (or north-western half of survey zone proposed construction process remain uncertain. C), when the proposed entrance channel and Notwithstanding, the preliminary facility adjacent spending beach are taken into account concept that we have been asked to comment on the overall footprint extends close to the in this report has a direct footprint that covers south-eastern end of the beach over a distance approximately 1.73 km2 of Reddell Point Beach, of approximately 650 m, and essentially extending for approximately 500 m along the encompasses the south-eastern two thirds astronomical high tide mark and seaward for of survey zone C. At this size, the overall around the same distance to the edge of the outer footprint of the proposed SBH facility covers reef. The proposed design includes protective approximately 1.9 km2. breakwaters, a harbour that provides a turning In the following section, we outline what we circle for vessels, a boat ramp, a wharf and regard to be the likely impacts the proposed hardstand, and trailer parking (Fig. 3). The SBH facility concept on National Heritage proposed entrance to the harbour is from the Listed dinosaurian track-bearing surfaces and south-eastern end of the facility. One of the related geological features in the survey area proposed requirement of the facility is that it Although hypothetical, these impacts necessarily allows safe boat launching on any tide. relate to the basic construction and maintenance options of the proposed design for the facility as outlined above (see Fig. 1).

Direct impacts (i) Creation of the proposed harbour, boat ramp, a significant amount of beach sand and Broome wharf, hardstand, trailer parking area, and Sandstone would therefore need to be removed protective breakwaters. All National Heritage in order to create a harbour that is deep enough Listed dinosaurian tracks within the proposed to keep boats afloat, and/or to allow safe boat footprint of the SBH facility would be directly launching on any tide; one of the requirements and adversely impacted upon by its construction. of the SBH proposal. The results of our survey The creation of the proposed harbour, the boat show that the bulk of the footprint of the ramp, wharf, hardstand, trailer parking area proposed harbour area sits directly on a 200–300 and entrance channel would all require either m wide section of Broome Sandstone reef the removal and/or the burial of any Broome (Fig. 8). Any sand cover in the landward part Sandstone in the main footprint area. All the of this area is probably minimal (< ~1–2 m). A National Heritage listed dinosaurian tracks, significant amount of Broome Sandstone would track-bearing surfaces and their associated need to be removed to create the proposed geological context would be lost. This would harbour area, particularly if it is meant to be include numerous sauropod tracks and a deep enough to facilitate boat-launching on any number of partial trackways, all of which tide. A similar amount of Broome Sandstone provide information on the temporal and spatial would also likely need to be removed in order distribution of dinosaurian tracks in the region. to create the proposed entrance channel if the We regard this as a significant impact on the harbour is to be accessible on any tide. National Heritage values of this area. Contrary to the preliminary concept proposal The tidal range along Reddell Point Beach for the SBH (Fig. 3), there is no natural channel is up to 10 vertical metres. With this in mind, through this area).

34 It seems unlikely to us that much, if any of channel or along the south-eastern end of the Broome Sandstone that would need to be reddell Point beach (south-eastern end of removed to create the proposed harbour could survey zone C). there is then an increased risk be used as armourstone for the construction of that to the north-west of the Sbh, this could the proposed breakwater. Being a sedimentary result in the permanent burial of the extensive rock that easily erodes, Broome Sandstone national heritage listed dinosaurian track- does have the Australian Standard (AS 2758.6- bearing surfaces at reddell Point (survey zone 2008) engineering attributes suitable for use b; Fig. 18), and to the south-west, a number of as armourstone in the proposed breakwater. important sauropod tracks and trackways that Another type of rock (e.g., either a granite or show morphological details suggestive of a new a high-grade metamorphic rock) or concrete track type that is yet to be described or named ‘armourstone’ aggregate would need to be (Fig. 22B,c) along with the only example in this sourced and brought to the site to create area of Wintonopus middletona. independent of the breakwater. Insofar as we understand the effect on dinosaurian tracks, the potential the proposed SBH concept, its proposed accumulation of sand within the entrance requirements and our own understanding channel to the Sbh would likely require regular of oceanic conditions along this stretch of dredging to keep it clear in order to facilitate coastline, the proposed breakwater would need ‘all-tide’ boat launching. to be built-up to a minimum height that is well While we acknowledge that irregular storms and above the surface of the existing outer reef cyclonic events also have the potential to cause surface in order to provide sufficient protection natural, large scale changes in sand cover during on any tide for the harbour it is meant to safely any given year (as was apparent for reddell enclose. Given the tidal range on this beach Point beach during the early part of 2018; Fig. and the position of the harbour and launching 22A), ambient conditions quickly return the facilities, the minimum height of the seaward sand to its normal distribution along the beach wall of the breakwater would need to be around (Fig. 5A). there is an increased risk that this 10 m in order to safely protect the harbour return to normal sand cover would not occur if during maximum astronomical high tides. The the proposed breakwater and Sbh were in place. size of the breakwater may need to be even higher if cyclonic swells are taken into account. in addition to changes in the movement and distribution of sand along reddell Point beach (ii) Sand movement. The effect of the creation (survey zones C and the south-eastern half of the proposed SBH facility on the transport, of survey zone b), it is also possible that the erosion and deposition of sand within the construction of the proposed Sbh could affect survey area is difficult to comment on with the transport, erosion and deposition of sand too much certainty in the absence of detailed on adjacent beaches and headlands. this could coastal modelling. However, in light of our own potentially include the permanent burial or observations over seven years of research in the increased rate of erosion of significant National area that point to the dynamic nature of the sand heritage listed dinosaurian track-bearing cover in this area (Fig. 22A), we consider it is surfaces and associated geological and cultural hard to envisage how sand movement would features at bungurunan (survey zone a; Figs 2, not alter as a result of the construction of the 7, 11, 15B, etc.) and the small south-east facing proposed SBH. We are of the opinion that the beach on entrance Point (survey zone D; Fig proposed breakwater that encircles the SBH 23). both of these areas also provide important would very likely inhibit longshore littoral access points for visitation (Fig. 28). transport of sand between Reddell Point and Entrance Point. There is then an increased risk it is hoped that further studies of coastal that sand would likely accumulate, perhaps processes and the changes which may result permanently, in one or both areas, as well as from the proposed Sbh will be carried out in along the north-western side of the breakwater order to more definitively assess anticipated and possibly within the proposed entrance impacts on dinosaurian tracks in areas adjacent to the proposed Sbh. 35 (iii) Increased rates of erosion due to boat remove them may result in their breakage. even traffic. Boat traffic in and out of the proposed if they could be successfully extracted, once Sbh facility through the proposed south-eastern removed from the surrounding rock, tracks and entrance channel would additionally result in other parts of track-bearing surfaces no longer increased wave spending along south-eastern have stratigraphic context, which is often central corner of reddell Point beach (survey zone to interpreting their broader significance (e.g., C). the effect of this could likely be increased via the environment in which they were formed, erosion of any exposed national heritage and their spatiotemporal and spatial relationship listed dinosaurian track-bearing surfaces in this to other tracks in the region). area, which includes some of the survey area’s removal of tracks also takes them out of the most important tracks (Figs 21 and 22B,c). unique natural setting in which they occur. their Alternatively, the creation of an artificial cultural value is also lost if they are removed spending beach (to help dissipate this wave from Country. thus, even if a track is saved action) would necessitate these track-bearing from destruction or loss, the overall heritage surfaces needing to be removed or being value is greatly diminished if it is taken out its permanently buried. natural context. erosion from wave activity in the intertidal to conclude, the reasonably conceivable direct zone is the main mechanism through which impact of the proposed Sbh facility on national dinosaurian tracks in the broome Sandstone heritage listed dinosaurian tracks and track- become exposed. although it follows that bearing surfaces on reddell Point beach is increased wave activity will result in further adverse. all the broome Sandstone within the erosion and potentially expose new track- greater footprint of the Sbh would be either bearing surfaces, this process also necessitates destroyed, permanently buried or subject the loss of existing track-bearing surfaces. to increased erosion. as such, the national because it is the latter and not the former upon heritage values associated with this area would which the existing national heritage status of be lost. this stretch of coastline was established, and it is on those track-bearing surfaces that can be advocating for the removal of tracks or recorded now that we have focussed on for this successfully demonstrating that it can be done report, we regard increased erosion of existing would set a dangerous precedent for the ongoing track-bearing surfaces as an impact to the management of other tracksites on the Dampier national heritage values of this area. Peninsula. in the 1990s, the temporary removal of a small section of track-bearing surface from (iv) Removal of track-bearing surfaces during the Walmadany area by the Western australian the construction of the proposed SBH facility museum greatly strained relations between on Reddell Point Beach. Dinosaurian tracks can palaeontologists and the area’s Traditional be photographed, digitally reconstructed in 3D, Custodians. While the tracks in question were cast with silicon or latex and then artificially later returned and placed back in Country, not replicated (see Salisbury et al., 2017; romilio long after other tracks were stolen from the et al., 2017), but once the in situ tracks are same area and others in different parts of the physically destroyed they are lost forever. Dampier Peninsula. the perpetrators were During the construction of the proposed Sbh eventually caught, charged and jailed, and some facility on reddell Point beach, it might be of the damaged tracks recovered, but these possible to remove some tracks or parts of events cast a dark shadow over the Dampier track-bearing surfaces rather than simply Peninsula’s dinosaurian tracks and Australian destroy or bury them. that said, the process of palaeoentology that has taken decades to lift (see track removal is physically very difficult and Salisbury et al. 2017, appendix ii). in light of not without consequence (Farlow et al, 2012; these events and the hard lessons that have been Faulkingham et al., 2014). many of the exposed learnt as a result, we a reluctant to advocate for surfaces within the survey area are spatially the removal of tracks or track-bearing surfaces extensive (see Figs 20–22) and attempting to as a preferred management option. 36 Other impacts One of the unique aspects of the National the construction of the proposed SBH (through Heritage listed dinosaurian tracks and associated the direct impacts discussed above), and the geological features of the Broome Sandstone permanent change it will have on the natural is the spectacular coastal setting in which they aesthetics of the surrounding area, need to be occur. Bounded by the rusty red Mowanjum carefully considered. At the moment, with the Sand (‘pindan’) on one side and the azure blue exception of the odd glimpse of parts of the of the Indian Ocean on the other, it is hard to industrial precinct along Port Drive, Reddell deny their aesthetic appeal. There is nowhere Point, Reddell Point Beach and the south- else in the world where dinosaurian tracks occur eastern side of Entrance Point (survey zones in such an inimitable setting. A–D) offer near-unspoilt vistas of the Kimberley As awareness of the dinosaurian tracks of the coast, complete with National Heritage listed Dampier Peninsula grows, greater numbers dinosaurian tracks (e.g., see cover page). of people will want to see and experience The construction of the proposed SBH on them. As discussed previously (see ‘Tourism Reddell Point Beach will irreversibly impact potential’), the Reddell Point–Entrance Point on the natural aesthetic value of the landscape area has a number of key attributes (ease of associated with dinosaurian tracks in this area, access, diversity of tracks, links to indigenous arguably diminishing their heritage value. There culture) that will place it front and centre of is no escaping the fact that the juxtaposition this increase in local, national and international of the proposed SBH and the (remaining) attention and visitation. Anticipating the internationally significant National Heritage increased interest in the National Heritage listed dinosaurian tracksites in this area will be values associated with this area, the effect of a drastic departure from the current, virtually unspoilt setting.

Recommendations In its current proposed form (Fig. 3), we Bungurunan (Fig. 2, 7, 11, and 15B) and the are of the opinion that the construction and small south-east facing beach on Entrance Point maintenance of the proposed SBH facility on (survey zone D; Fig 23). Reddell Point Beach would have a significant We cannot see how these impacts can be impact on the National Heritage listed avoided or mitigated if the construction of the dinosaurian tracks in the Reddell Point–Entrance proposed SBH facility in its current form were Point area. All the Broome Sandstone and its to go ahead. Trying to protect sections of beach associated dinosaurian track-bearing surfaces or reef from sand loss or increased deposition within the greater footprint of the SBH would be would be futile. Artificial bollards or large either destroyed, permanently buried or subject boulders would do little to halt sand movement to a greater risk of an increased rate erosion. As at the best of times, and the creation of larger, such, the National Heritage values associated continuous artificial barriers (i.e., breakwaters) with this area would be lost. In addition to has its own problems; sections of Broome changes in the movement and distribution of Sandstone would necessarily need to be buried, sand along Reddell Point Beach, we are also of and the new structures would further exacerbate the opinion that it is likely that the construction any existing sand transport issues that might of the proposed SBH could affect the transport, stem from the construction of the proposed SBH erosion and deposition of sand on adjacent and its breakwater. In short, it is hard to see how beaches and headlands. This could potentially the introduction of a large-scale structure along include the permanent burial or the greater risk this stretch of beach would not irreversibly of an increased rate of erosion of significant change the existing patterns of littoral sand National Heritage listed dinosaurian track- movement, the consequences of which would bearing surfaces and associated geological likely significantly impact on existing National and cultural features at the southern end of Heritage values (i.e., dinosaurian tracks). 37 Shifting the position of the proposed Sbh within Point Beach has a greater direct impact on track- survey zone C, to either the northwest or the bearing surfaces in the southeastern corner of southeast of reddell Point beach, would do little survey zone C. to avoid any impact on national heritage values. In order to avoid any significant impacts on moving it the northwest might reduce the impact National Heritage listed dinosaurian tracks and of the proposed entrance channel and adjacent related geological features, we believe there are spending beach on track-bearing surfaces in two options: the southeastern corner of survey zone C, but tracks within the repositioned main footprint (i) Change the design of the SBH from that of the harbour and breakwater would still be proposed in the preliminary concept diagram effected, and tracks on reddell Point could be (Fig. 3); placed under greater risk from permanent burial. (ii) Build it in a different location Similarly, moving it to the southeast of reddell (which may also necessitate a new design).

option 1: SBh deSign Change if the proposed location of the Sbh is also appears to have minimal intertidal exposure maintained, the only way any significant of the Broome Sandstone and may also be impacts on national heritage values can be suitable, but we did not examine this area in any avoided is if the overall direct footprint of the detail during the course of our July 2018 survey. proposed facility is greatly reduced. this could Moving the SBH facility to this location would be achieved either by making it much smaller likely have its own sets of location issues due and reducing the size of both the harbour and to the close proximity of Broome Jetty and the breakwater, or moving to a design that is other KPA infrastructure (e.g., the slipway), farther offshore, such that the harbour area is and potential indirect impacts on adjacent not directly above the intertidal exposures of track-bearing surfaces from changes to sand broome Sandstone. Whether either of these transport, particularly those within survey zone options meets the requisite criteria for the Sbh E (Fig. 24A,B), would also need to be carefully and/or is even feasible is not something we considered. But the overall impact on National can comment on at this point. any new design Heritage values would likely be minimal. In would need to be assessed on its own merits. terms of the impact on the natural aesthetics of option 2: SBh loCation Change the area, this part of Entrance Point is already the northern half of survey zone F and all of partly developed, being situated close to the jetty survey zone G seem to preserve little in the way and existing public boat launching facilities. of national heritage listed dinosaurian tracks The few sauropod tracks that do occur along (Fig. 29). there are some sauropod tracks on the foreshore are on detached blocks and could detached blocks of broome Sandstone close be removed without causing any damage and to the astronomical high tide mark (Fig. 25), placed on display in an interpretive centre or but these could easily be moved (see below) similar that could be located nearby (but see without causing them any damage.. Survey zone previous comments on other issues associated G, between broome Jetty and the KPa slipway, with the removal of tracks). In this way, the does not appear to preserve any dinosaurian development would be seen in a much more tracks in the exposed sections of broome positive light insofar as the area’s dinosaurian Sandstone. As far as avoiding any significant tracks are concerned; the direct impact of the impacts on national heritage listed dinosaurian proposed SBH on National Heritage values tracks and related geological features, this would be minimal, and the tracks that are part of entrance Point seems best suited to the removed could be utilised in a way that helps construction of a Sbh facility. the southern end promote the area for dinosaur-themed tourism. of Simpson’s Beach, north of survey zone G, We feel this would be a good outcome. 38 Concluding remark The dinosaurian tracks of the Broome Sandstone potential for major flow on benefits for tourism represent a peerless part of Australia’s natural and for local indigenous groups, as well as and cultural heritage. The inclusion of these ongoing scientific research. We look forward tracks and associated geological features in the to working with Broome Shire, the WA West Kimberley National Heritage Area was Department of Transport, the Kimberley Port more than warranted, and every effort should Authority, the Dinosaur Coast Management be made to ensure their ongoing conservation, Group, Nyamba Buru Yawuru and other particularly for stretches of coastline that are indigenous groups (e.g., Goolarabooloo), and likely to receive increased visitation. The the greater Broome community to promote and Reddell Point–Entrance Point area is one manage this unique area. such place. With proper management there is

A Yinarra Port Drive Reddell Point Kavite Road G

B Broome Jetty SBH

Entrance Point F C LEGEND Area of least concern in respect to dinosaur tracks 0.9m low tide mark A Survey zone identifier and bounday Footprint of proposed Safe Boat Harbour (SBH) D E 500 m

Figure 29: Schematic map of the survey area denoting the ‘area of least concern’ (green polygon) with minimal impact on in situ National Heritage listed dinosaur tracks.

39 5. REFERENCES CITED

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41 6. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

Shape data showing survey zones, exposures of National Heritage listed Broome Sandstone and dinosaur track-bearing surfaces, and an alternative site (an ‘area of least concern’) have been sent to SoB as .kml files.